Elinciya Witman
Asani Mpofu (+35), who was already serving time for another crime, has been sentenced to an additional 10 months in prison for interfering with a ZETDC meter, as defined in section 60A(1)(a)(b) of the Electricity Act (Chapter 13:19), by the Gweru Magistrates’ Court.
Mpofu was convicted of violating section 60A(1)(a)(b) of the Electricity Act, which pertains to the unlawful abstraction or diversion of electrical current. He had connected a 2.5mm cable directly to the distribution board, bypassing the meter.
On October 27, 2025, Paul Kangausaru (37), along with his colleagues Jonathan Zhou and Lawrence Mungwari, noticed that house number 152 in Section 5, Mtapa, Gweru, had power despite being previously disconnected on January 5, 2025.
Kangausaru stated, “I went to the house to confirm my suspicions. I physically checked and observed that the meter box was locked. When I forced open the meter box, I found a 2.5mm cable connected directly to the distribution board.”
Prosecutor Ruvimbo Mutemen represented the state, arguing that Mpofu’s actions constituted unlawful abstraction of electricity. Magistrate Paida Mafusire handed down the 10-month sentence, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
“Mpofu’s actions resulted in significant revenue loss for ZETDC, a parastatal organization that provides essential services to the community,” Magistrate Mafusire stated.
Mpofu’s conviction highlights the ongoing battle against electricity theft and the vandalism of ZETDC properties.
The parastatal has vowed to continue clamping down on offenders, and this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of tampering with public utilities.
